2023-24 Patriot League Previews: American Eagles

2022-23 Regular Season Result: 17-15 (7-11) Tied for 6^th in Patriot League

2023 Patriot League Tournament Result: Lost in Semifinals at Lafayette

Coach: Duane Simpkins (1^st season)

Key Departures: Johnny O’Neil (Forward)

Key Additions: Nick Marshall (Guard)

American is in the interesting position of having a new coach, but retaining almost all of the quality players from a decent team last year. Duane Simpkins inherits Matt Rogers a member of the pre-season all-Patriot League team and one of the best centers in the league, a team that had a winning overall record, and a team that was a few possessions away from going to the Patriot League championship game to face a team they played well in their previous two regular-season meetings. If I am a new coach, I could not ask for much more than Simpkins has in year one.

Matt Rogers was the star for American last year. He scored over 14 points per game last season on 61% shooting and pulled down 6.3 rebounds per game. Guards Elijah Stevens and Colin Smalls are upperclassmen who have experience in league play. They are both capable shooters and run the pick and role well with Rogers. American also has a plethora of upperclassmen quality role players. Senior Lorenzo Donadio is a capable shooter who I think will have a bigger role this season. His best attribute is his production from the free-throw line. He converted on 17 of his 21 attempts last season. If he can draw more contact to get to the line often and knock down his open jump shots that will be good news for the Eagles. Another senior Lincoln Ball played well for American last season. He provided some rebounding support and contributed in the steals department recording 23 on the season. His leadership will be crucial on the court. Geoff Sprouse is one of the few underclassmen who should play big minutes for American. The 6’0 guard started 26 games for AU last season and compliments the play of the other guards on the roster well.

River Hill product Nick Marshall is a new piece for the Eagles. He and former American coach Mike Brennan swapped schools. I do think Loyola won this “trade”. Marshall never really got going at Loyola. He was stuck behind other guards on the depth chart only playing limited minutes. Injury and illness also kept him out of some games. Perhaps Duane Simpkins will be able to find a larger role for him.

American did lose one big piece. Star forward Johnny O’Neil transferred to Santa Clara. The stretch four forward provided shooting and driving ability that will be missed. Unfortunately for AU he also spread the floor which created more space for Rogers to operate in the low post. Without O’Neil it is possible Rogers could see more double teams when he catches the ball on the block. Filling the role that O’Neil played for American is the only substantial question mark I have for this team.

I think American is positioned very well for this season. The guard play will be solid and if Matt Rogers is able to elevate his play to an even greater level than he performed at last season, which will be no easy task now with more defensive attention allocated to him from opponents, American should be in a good position to be among the top tier teams in the league.

I expect American to finish 3^rd.

I’ve put a lot of effort into these previews. Many hours were spent researching, interviewing, and writing in depth previews for all ten of the Patriot League men’s basketball teams. I enjoy covering the conference and my goal is to provide the best national coverage of Patriot League Men’s Basketball. If you enjoyed the coverage and would like to support my work my PayPal username is @HappeningHoops while obviously not expected any and all donations are always welcomed. Thank you!

All Team Previews

1. Colgate
2. Lehigh
3. American
4. Loyola
5. Lafayette
6. Holy Cross
7. Navy
8. Bucknell
9. Boston
10. Army